Iran Accuses Starlink of Facilitating Terrorism, Urges ITU Action
Iran has called on the ITU to act against what it describes as the illegal use of Starlink terminals to support terrorist activities inside the country.
Doreen Bogdan-Martin: “an important and aggravating factor in terrorist operations is the misuse and illegal use of modern communication technologies”. Photo: @Nexo_Latino
January 15, 2026 Hour: 6:49 am
Iran has urged the International Telecommunication Union to address what it describes as the illegal use of Starlink satellite terminals to coordinate terrorist activities within its territory.
Iran has formally urged the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to address what it describes as the illegal use of Starlink satellite internet terminals for terrorist activities within its territory, according to an official letter submitted by its ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva.
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In a letter addressed to ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Iran’s Ambassador and Permanent rRepresentative to the United Nations in Geneva, Ali Bahreini warned that “an important and aggravating factor in terrorist operations is the misuse and illegal use of modern communication technologies.”
Bahreini stated that the unauthorized deployment and operation of Starlink satellite terminals, operated by the U.S.-based company SpaceX, inside Iran have been “properly documented.”
According to the letter, these terminals are being used by organized terrorist groups to “coordinate sabotage”, “train their members”, and destabilize peaceful demonstrations, effectively transforming a communications service into what Iran characterizes as a tool for terrorism.
The letter also recalls Iran’s position on unauthorized satellite communications, noting that despite decisions adopted by the ITU’s Radio Regulations Board during its meetings in 1994, 1995, 1996, and 1997, illegal transmissions have continued without effective oversight.
In this context, Bahreini pointed out that the Radio Regulations Board has requested the administration responsible for Starlink to “immediately” deactivate terminals operating illegally within Iranian territory. He further referred to Resolution 22 (REV.WRC-23), stressing that Iran has the “sovereign right and duty” to take all necessary measures to stop illegal emissions that threaten its national security and territorial integrity.
The Ambassador added that the measures taken by Iranian authorities have been “necessary and targeted”, describing them as a response to what the letter identifies as the evident use of this technology to coordinate terrorist activities.
The letter concludes by citing what it describes as a “clear connection between unauthorized services and terrorist activities,” alongside the persistent failure to comply with decisions of the Radio Regulations Board.
Bahreini called on both the ITU and the Radio Regulations Board to adopt “immediate and tangible” measures.
Author: MK - LVM
Source: HispanTV
